Join MDA

• The MDA & Why Downtown is Important
• Benefits of the MDA
• Events & Promotions
• Organization Structure
• Membership Form

Promotions and Events

• Membership Luncheons
  MDA’s monthly luncheons are held at a different member business the second Tuesday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Luncheons provide networking and promotional opportunities and feature informative speakers on topics affecting Downtown business and the community.
• Coffee Talk
  Coffee Talk rotates among member businesses on the third Wednesday of every month from 8-9 a.m. Coffee Talk offers the opportunity to showcase your business by encouraging members to drop by for coffee and conversation.
• Downtown on Tap
  Downtown On Tap is an after-hours social event from 5-7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month. Held at a different member business every month, Downtown On Tap is a great opportunity to socialize, network and showcase your business.
• MDA Barbecue
  Every summer the MDA hosts this fun event at Caras Park. Members are encouraged to bring the entire family for socializing and down-home cooking by our members!
• Holiday Party
  The Christmas Party is MDA’s holiday social event where hundreds of members come together to mingle and partake in the holiday spirits.
• Out to Lunch in Caras Park
  Inaugurated by the MDA in 1985, Out to Lunch is the longest-running performing arts festival in the state of Montana. It attracts thousands of people to Caras Park every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in June, July and August. Out to Lunch features some of Missoula’s best food and performing artists from throughout the region.
• Downtown ToNight at Caras Park
  Downtown ToNight is Missoula’s outdoor, after-work happy hour and features live music, exceptional food vendors and a beer garden. Downtown ToNight is held Thursday evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m. from mid-June to mid-September.
• Downtown Holiday Stroll & Santa’s Arrival
  Every year the MDA kicks off the holiday season with a promotion that brings holiday shoppers Downtown for the Santa’s Arrival, holiday carolers and performers, hot cocoa and cookies, a bonfire and the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Circle Square.
• Special Events
  The MDA coordinates a number of special events throughout the year to draw traffic downtown and give exposure to MDA businesses. Such events include the Night Before the Days car show, Party Gras, Storefront University and Bank Street Dinner/Dance.
• Homecoming
  MDA members pull together to offer free coffee and donuts at every street corner on Higgins Avenue to parade watchers, as The University of Montana Homecoming Parade marches through the streets of Downtown Missoula.
• Spring Cleanup Day
  The MDA coordinates an annual spring cleanup day to beautify Downtown Missoula.
• Downtown Decorations
  The MDA adds to the unique ambiance of Downtown Missoula with seasonal displays, street banners, flower baskets, American flags, holiday lights and decorations.
• Gift Certificates
  The MDA promotes and sells Downtown Gift Certificates to generate business for its members. Member businesses accept Gift Certificates, which are reimbursed by the MDA. In 2002 more than $35,000 of gift certificates were sold and redeemed at over 150 businesses.
• Downtowner of the Year
  Established in 1986, the annual Downtowner of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has made Downtown Missoula a better place through unselfish and extraordinary efforts, activities or contributions.